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Looking forward to welcoming you back to school!
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HIGH SCHOOL BACK TO SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

2020-2021

Welcome from the High School Principal

I would like to welcome back our returning families and welcome our new families to YISS. I value the opportunity to lead and serve the YISS high school faculty and students this academic year. We are fortunate that Korea has done an extraordinary job in its response and management of COVID-19. Given all of the global uncertainties and adjustments we have had to make due to the pandemic, I am pleased that we will be able to have all our students on campus regularly and have the resources to support virtual learning on days when they will work from home. Our faculty is committed to providing an excellent academic program and other opportunities for our students to become global citizens and leaders regardless of location.

Our annual theme is “To Equip and To Empower,” which is inspired by the verse Ephesians 4:12. This concept is applicable not only in the classroom but also in our student activities. Caring about the whole person is a hallmark of the YISS teacher. We will continue to support and encourage students to pursue academic excellence while maintaining spiritual, social, and emotional balance so they can become well-rounded 21st-century learners and leaders. We look forward to partnering with you to enable our students to achieve great things this school year.
 
Sincerely,

Dr. Aquil Bayyan 
High School Principal

Hybrid Learning = On-Campus + Virtual Learning

Until further notice, the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education (SMOE) is requiring all high schools under their jurisdiction to limit the number of students on campus to 2/3 of enrollment per day. Given that YISS is a four-year high school (Koreans attend three-year high schools), we will have two grades on campus for two days followed by two days of virtual learning.

YISS Virtual Learning Plan


Our teachers and staff would love to have all students on campus every day. However, until SMOE enables schools in Seoul to do so, YISS is committed to providing quality instruction regardless of location or the learning format.
For more details, view the YISS Virtual Learning Plan at yis.to/VLP.

Class Schedules for HS Students


Class schedules for returning students will be visible on Schoology by August 7. 

New students will be contacted by their counselor before August 7 to help create their schedule. Schedules will be finalized after the completion of a math placement assessment given during New Student Orientation.

If you would like to meet with a counselor about your schedule, please contact the appropriate counselor to schedule a meeting. New students should bring a final and official transcript and school profile to the meeting.

9th and 10th grade students
Ms. Taylor Peterson, High School Counselor
taylor.peterson@yisseoul.org

11th and 12th grade students - last names that begin A-Kt
Mr. Joon Myong, Director of High School Counseling
joon.myong@yisseoul.org

11th and 12th graders - last names that begin Ku-Z
Ms. Rachel Dooley, High School Counselor
rachel.dooley@yisseoul.org

New HS Student & Parent Orientation - Friday, August 7


New HS students and parents (who are new to YISS) are warmly invited to meet our high school teachers and staff, visit classrooms, and learn more about YISS. One parent per student.

8:30-3:00 p.m. for students (lunch will be provided)
12:30-3:00 p.m. for parents (one parent per student)

NOTE: In order to adhere to the physical distancing guidelines, we kindly ask returning students and parents to refrain from visiting the campus during new student orientation this year.

New Student Orientation is an opportunity to learn more about YISS, receive tech training, take a math placement test, get your locker assignment, charge your lunch card, purchase school supplies & P.E. uniforms, tour the high school and campus facilities, etc.

During the orientation, the high school principal, faculty, and students will give an overview of “school life” and give helpful advice on how to have a successful experience at YISS. 

All students and parents who are new to YISS are highly encouraged to attend. This orientation will make your transition smoother, reduce anxiety, and allow us to meet and welcome you.

First Day of School - Monday, August 10


Our 11th & 12th grade students will attend the first day of school on campus, while 9th & 10th grade students will attend school virtually in the morning using a personal device.
Be sure to complete the Daily Health Form yis.to/11 and yis.to/12 before you arrive.

Upon arrival in the morning, all students should report directly to their first block class.

Laptop Distribution


All 11th & 12th grade students will receive their laptops during the school day on August 10.

All 10th grade students may come to school on August 10 between 12:00-1:00 p.m. to pick up their laptops. Be sure to complete the Daily Health Form yis.to/10 before you arrive and bring your Handbook Agreement Form signed by a parent. 

All 9th grade students should come to school at 1:00 p.m. to pick up their laptops and remain at school until 3:00 p.m. for High School Orientation. Be sure to complete the Daily Health Form yis.to/9 before you arrive and bring your Handbook Agreement Form signed by a parent.

August 10 is a Dress Down Day for 9th & 10th grade students.
All clothing selections must be modest, neat, and non-offensive as determined by the YISS administration. No skirts/dresses, leggings, or ripped clothing may be worn. Modest shorts may be worn in August and May. Shorts must reach your fingertips and may not be form-fitting.

SAT & ACT Testing


YISS is a private SAT test center, which means that only YISS students can take the SAT on our campus. As a private test center, YISS can better manage the test administration and continue to safeguard the integrity of the SAT and SAT Subject Tests. It also ensures that YISS students will always have a space for testing on our campus. 

Unless circumstances change, we anticipate the following test dates for the 2020-21 school year: August 29, September 26, October 3, November 7, December 5, March 13, May 8, and June 5. Learn more at www.collegeboard.org. View the College Board's health and safety measures.

The ACT is offered at various test centers in the greater Seoul area. Unless circumstances change, test dates for the 2020-21 school year are as follows: September 12, October 24, December 12, February 6, April 10 or 17, June 12, and July 17. Learn more at www.global.act.org.

Please contact your designated high school counselor if you have any questions.

Academic & School Events Calendars

For more details about events during the 2020-21 school year, view the following calendars: Academic Calendar • School Events Calendar

Add the YISS Events and HS Events calendars to your Google calendar by using the links found at the bottom of yisseoul.org/events.   

Health Forms & Policies

Students who have not yet returned their Health or Physician Examination Forms may not attend school. Please upload your forms on OpenApply. If you have any questions, email apply@yisseoul.org.

Please also review our health & medication policy.

Guardian Athletics


Due to the COVID-19 restrictions placed on schools, we are currently not able to begin athletics tryouts and practices at this time. We will update you when this changes.

Keep up with the YISS Guardian Athletics program via YISSPN.com where you can view photos, game videos, game schedules, athlete features, articles, and more! You can also follow YISSPN on instagram.com/yisspn, twitter.com/yisspn, and youtube.com/yisspn.

Dress Code

The purpose of the YISS dress code is to enhance the positive learning environment of the school by minimizing distractions and ensuring modesty and comfort for all students. Students must be in proper dress code from their arrival at school until the school day ends. 

Guardian Store

8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (July 27 – August 4)
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (after August 10)

Once school begins, teachers will inform you of the school supplies you will need for their class.

Visit the Guardian Store to purchase school supplies, uniform shirts, and more. Due to COVID-19, all visitors must make an appointment to enter the campus.

Please contact the Business Office at business.office@yisseoul.org or (02) 797-5104 x155 and complete the visitor's form one day in advance of your visit.

Cafeteria

The cafeteria offers a choice of fresh nutritious meals that are prepared on-site daily by J&J Catering.

Lunch sets are available to HS students for ₩5,300 and include access to additional portions at no charge.

The menu is posted on Schoology and at yisseoul.org. Boneless and halal options are available each day. Students are also welcome to bring lunch from home.

Morning Drop-Off and Afternoon Pickup

Morning Drop-Off
Students may enter the building beginning at 7:25 a.m.
Students must report directly to their homeroom classes.

Monday, August 10 - Early Release Schedule
11:30–11:48 a.m. — Bus riders board buses
11:50–12:00 p.m. — Buses depart from campus
11:30-12:00 p.m. — Car pickup off campus
12:00-12:30 p.m. — Car pickup on campus

Regular Afternoon Schedule
3:10–3:17 p.m. — Bus riders board buses
3:18–3:23 p.m. — Buses depart from campus
3:10–3:30 p.m. — Car pickup off campus
3:30-3:45 p.m. — Car pickup on campus

Please review our detailed drop-off and pick-up procedures.

Please contact the HS Office if you have any questions.

Vehicle Access Decal

Vehicles must display a Vehicle Access Decal to enter the YISS campus.

If you submitted your vehicle details while applying/re-enrolling, we will send home your 2020–21 vehicle decal with your child during the first week of school. Please display the 2020–21 decal no later than August 31. Beginning in September, drivers without a Vehicle Access Decal may be asked to leave a photo ID at the gate. Please email enroll@yisseoul.org, if you have any questions.

Limited Campus Access for Parents and Visitors

YISS is known for being a warm and caring school with many parents who volunteer their time, talent, and energy to make our campus feel more like a community! Unfortunately, SMOE has advised schools to restrict visitors, including parents, inside the building without prior arrangement until further notice. Those who wish to enter the building must make an appointment in advance with a staff person or school office and complete the visitor’s form.

Parents/visitors who have an appointment must sign in at the reception desk, complete the visitor log, have their temperature taken, use hand sanitizer, and wear a mask when inside the building.

If you have any questions, contact the YISS Health Office at nurse@yisseoul.org.

Welcome from YISS PTO

The YISS Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) warmly welcomes our new families into our school community. Although the PTO Board will not be able to host a live welcome event for our new parents, they want to get to know you and help you in your transition.

The PTO will be reaching out with valuable information in the coming weeks and share about ways that you can get involved. View www.yisspto.org to learn more about our YISS PTO

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the PTO Hospitality Chair Susie Song at yisspto.hospitality@gmail.com.

Ways to Stay Informed

Schoology is an online learning management system that YISS uses to extend learning beyond the classroom.

Please be sure to check Schoology regularly or have notifications sent to you via email.

Parents who are new to YISS will be given a unique Parent Access Code to create a parent account that automatically associates you with your child. Then you will be able to join the HS Parents group (ZTDSS-TFQVZ). Receive assistance setting up your Schoology account at the New HS Student & Parent Orientation on Friday, August 7.

Need help navigating Schoology?
Register for the Schoology Parent Training Session
on August 26 from 9:00-10:00 a.m.
___________________________________________________

View photos, videos, and information about YISS school events and programs.

COVID-19 Guidelines


The health and safety of our students, teachers, and staff is a high priority.
All students are required to follow these basic measures to help prevent the transmission of disease.
Thank you for your cooperation and support.
 
1. Complete your child's Report to School Form by August 5.

2. Complete your child's Daily Health Report every morning before 7:30 a.m. on the days he/she attends school on campus
 
 
2. Do not send your child to school if he/she has any of the following symptoms:
 
Fever of 37.5℃ (99.5℉) or higher / Cough / Sore throat / Difficulty breathing / Chills / Body ache / Severe headache / Lack of sense of smell or taste
 
3. Have your child wear a mask when on the school bus and on campus

4. Instruct your child to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer frequently

5. Remind your child to practice safe distancing (one to two meters)
 
Please carefully review our COVID-19 Guidelines at yis.to/guidelines.

Contact the YISS Health Office at nurse@yisseoul.org or the ES/MS/HS Office, if you have any questions.

School Hours and Contacts

High School

7:50 a.m.–3:10 p.m.
Phone: 02-797-5104 x229
Email: hsoffice@yisseoul.org

Attendance

Hours: 7:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Phone: 02-797-5104 x100
Email: hs.attendance@yisseoul.org

Copyright © Yongsan International School of Seoul. All rights reserved.

Yongsan International School of Seoul
285 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu
Seoul, Korea 04347


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